Join your fellow solo travellers on a group cycling holiday to discover the wonderful Eastern Algarve and Southern Spain on two wheels. Our week of fantastic cycling meanders along picturesque cycle tracks and lanes, taking in the stunning countryside and charming villages this delightful region has to offer.
Grade: Easy to Medium
Extras
Arrive at Faro Airport and transfer to the the Hotel Baia de Monte Gordo
Our first day of cycling begins from our hotel. Our route takes us along quiet lanes which meander through the beautiful countryside to the typical Algarve village of Santa Rita. Here we take a break in the local café for lunch (at own cost). We then ride on quiet tarmac lanes and along the way cross a ford before the village of Fonte Salgada, if the water level allows.
We continue along picturesque lanes to finish in the charming town of Tavira. The route takes us directly to the train station to catch the local train back to Monte Gordo along with our bicycles.
Distance: 29km Ascent/descent: 100m
After breakfast, we leave our hotel and cycle on a designated cycleway to Vila Real S. Antonio, where the river Guadiana meets the sea. We’ll take our bikes across on the ferry to the Spanish town of Ayamonte. Next, we cycle east through the historic salt pans of Ayamonte. For centuries, these salt pans have produced salt and shellfish. Today, they also serve as a sanctuary for a diverse array of birdlife.
We tour the bustling small town of Isla Cristina before returning to Ayamonte to catch the ferry back to Portugal. During the day, there will be stops for refreshments and lunch (at own cost)
Distance: 41km Ascent/descent: minimal
Today we take a charming route, running along the coast and the Ria Formosa on the coastal ecovia. En route we visit the quintessential coastal village of Cacela Velha with its Moorish influenced architecture. We pass through Cabanas where cafés line the attractive waterfront. We finish again in Tavira, one of the most unspoilt towns in the Algarve. There will be time to stroll around & enjoy this lovely town. Our route takes us to the train station where we can take the train back to Monte Gordo with our bicycles. During the day, there will be stops for refreshments and lunch (at own cost).
Distance: 26km; Ascent/descent: minimal
Today can be enjoyed at our leisure, perhaps spent enjoying the hotel’s facilities or enjoying the seaside resort of Monte Gordo.
Our route today takes us through pine woodland on quiet, well-surfaced tracks to Vila Real S. António. We’ll take our bikes across on the ferry to the Spanish town of Ayamonte. We then cycle south to the resort area of Isla Canela and the Isla Del Moral, a more local fishing village. We return to Ayamonte and board the ferry back to Portugal. During the day, there will be stops for refreshments and lunch (at own cost).
Distance: 37km Ascent/descent: minimal
Our day of cycling is based around a local circuit centred on the local Nature Reserve. Along the way we visit the reserve’s headquarters where we are given information on the banks of the river Guadiana and the salt works of Castro Marim around where an abundance of birds have made their home. We also visit the attractive and historic small town of Castro Marim, dominated by its ancient castle and more recent fortifications guarding the river, and giving great views over the surrounding countryside. During the day, there will be stops for refreshments and lunch (at own cost).
Distance: 27km Ascent/descent: minimal
After breakfast, we enjoy some free time to do any last minute local shopping and sightseeing before heading to the airport for our flight home.
Our cosy, friendly hotel is located near the beach and within reach of the resorts bars and restaurants, an ideal base for our week of Solos cycling.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, small rooftop swimming pool, lounge area, Wi-Fi.
Our rooms have ensuite bathroom, desk, flat screen satellite TV, hairdryer, free wi-fi, air-conditioning and balcony.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Faro Airport to the hotel is approximately 60 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.
Graded Easy to Medium
Supercross bike Model Astro Fancy or Coluer Ascent wheel 26 size M /L brakes V-brake 21 speeds, Shimano, flat pedal
E-Bikes available to prebook in advance – approximately £120 per week.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct attire when cycling for enjoyment, comfort and safety. It is essential to wear padded cycling shorts/trousers that are comfortable. We strongly recommend wearing a suitable cycling helmet on your tour. We recommend bringing your own helmet for comfort and safety however, helmets will be available with the bike hire. We also highly recommend taking and wearing cycling/biking short or long gloves. You will also need to bring a small adapted rucksack suitable for bike riding to keep all your essentials such a food, drink, first-aid kit, clothing etc
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €15.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
